Outemu Gold vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch. The Outemu Gold switch is best known for its responsiveness and falls into the category of clicky switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is known for providing a comfortable typing experience with a light to medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, users appreciate the muted sound profile of these switches, which are characterized by their smooth, mild, and polished qualities. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Gold and the TTC Silent Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the lighting to shine through. However, the Gold's polycarbonate top housing may provide a slightly different sound compared to the Silent Brown, depending on other factors such as spring weight or stem design.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold and Silent Brown feature nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. This material choice affects the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Despite the similar material choice, differences in design and build could still result in variations in sound and feel between the two switches.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the individual characteristics of each housing material will influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing mean that the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing, while the sound upon key release will be more affected by the polycarbonate top housing. This emphasizes the importance of housing materials in switch design, as they play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience and sound profile of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold switch requires 60 grams, while the Silent Brown switch requires 63.5 grams, making the Gold switch lighter in this aspect. This means that the Gold switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Brown switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is 4mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Gold offering a bit more depth than the Silent Brown. Gamers may appreciate the quicker response time of the Silent Brown due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing may lean towards the Outemu Gold. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
The Outemu Gold comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for its loud and crisp click sound, making it a popular choice for users who enjoy that audible feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a more muted sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience favored by those in shared spaces or who prefer a less disruptive sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold switch provides a tactile and clicky typing experience with a high level of resistance, which can be satisfying for users who prefer a more tactile and responsive switch. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience with a comfortable level of resistance, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel. This makes it a great option for users seeking a more gentle and refined typing sensation.
Overall, the Outemu Gold switch excels in providing a tactile and clicky typing experience with a loud sound profile, while the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a quieter and more refined typing experience with its muted sound and buttery feel. Depending on your preference for sound, feel, and typing style, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a clicky typing experience with a medium bottom out force and don't mind a louder sound profile, the Outemu Gold switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a comfortable tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing comfort.
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